Balandra Beach La Paz
A protected paradise in La Paz, Balandra Beach boasts shallow, turquoise waters and iconic mushroom-shaped rocks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Balandra Beach La Paz
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A protected paradise in La Paz, Balandra Beach boasts shallow, turquoise waters and iconic mushroom-shaped rocks.
"Truly one of the best beaches in the world, Balandra captivates with its shallow, clear waters and unique landscapes."
🎯 Arrive Early for Entry
Secure your spot by arriving before the 8 AM or 12 PM entry times. Expect lines!
🎒 Pack All Your Supplies
No food or drinks sold inside. Bring everything you need, and remember to take your trash with you.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
El Hongo (The Mushroom)
Iconic rock formation
The famous mushroom-shaped rock, a symbol of Balandra, perfect for unique photos.
Playa Balandra's Shallow Waters
Main beach area
Walk for miles in knee-deep, crystal-clear water; it's more wading than swimming.
Balandra Hill Viewpoint
Short hike from the beach
A quick, rewarding hike offering panoramic views of the entire bay and its stunning landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Balandra
Pack Smart for Balandra
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Entry
Secure your spot by arriving before the 8 AM or 12 PM entry times. Expect lines!
🎒 Pack All Your Supplies
No food or drinks sold inside. Bring everything you need, and remember to take your trash with you.
🚶♀️ Shuffle Your Feet
Be mindful of stingrays and other sea life in the shallow waters. Shuffle your feet to avoid stepping on them.
📸 Capture the Views
Don't miss the iconic 'El Hongo' rock and the panoramic views from Balandra Hill.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Entry
Secure your spot by arriving before the 8 AM or 12 PM entry times. Expect lines!
🎒 Pack All Your Supplies
No food or drinks sold inside. Bring everything you need, and remember to take your trash with you.
🚶♀️ Shuffle Your Feet
Be mindful of stingrays and other sea life in the shallow waters. Shuffle your feet to avoid stepping on them.
📸 Capture the Views
Don't miss the iconic 'El Hongo' rock and the panoramic views from Balandra Hill.
💧 Water Shoes Recommended
Protect your feet from shells and potential sea creatures in the shallow, sandy areas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Balandra Beach is overwhelmingly praised as one of the world's most beautiful beaches, captivating visitors with its shallow, crystal-clear waters and unique rock formations. While the limited entry and 4-hour stay can be restrictive, most agree the stunning scenery and serene atmosphere are well worth the planning and wait.
"Totally worth the drive from Cabo for an excellent day trip to this beautiful beach. Goes knee deep for a long stretch, and although we were warned about stingrays, we didn’t see any. You do have to walk shuffling your feet to avoid stepping on one but its totally worth it. Great view from the top of the hike, definitely check it out"
Lina Botero
"Beautiful beach. Truly one of the best in the world. It's a shallow beach so you can't really swim. They limit the amount of people that can go in as well as limit on time. Get there before opening for each slot time. One is at 8am and the second is at 1pm so each wave of people are only allowed about 4 hours on the beach and they limit how many can enter. They sell snacks and rental umbrellas and chairs at the entrance before going in by vendors. All legit so it's safe. Bring your own snacks and drinks before going as they don't sell anything inside the beach. Overall it was a great experience, we enjoyed it. There is a simple hike up a small hill to get a nice view of the beaches from the top. Worth doing as well."
Alex Rodas
"Beautiful beach
It's a beautiful place in which you can pass some hours of nice views
You can bring your own food/drinks. Avoid glass and please take the garbage with you.
There is 2 possible access: at 8:00h and 12:00
The maximum stay is 4 hours.
The have a limited access for every group.
You need to stay in the line for ~40 minutes
During the line some guys are selling drinks, food (ceviche) and it's good.
Be prepared because inside there is no option to buy nothing.
The beach is clean, after every group the staff clean the place.
The water is cold after Aug/sep but it's still a must to do activity. Consider there is some sea wildlife (jellyfish, mantas, etc), step grounding your feet and cover your skin with large clothes (jellyfish can burn your skin, nothing to die but it's better to avoid it).
portable toilet is on the place if needed
Parking lot is free of charge and safe"
Martín Saldaña
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Balandra Beach is about a 35-minute drive from La Paz center. Renting a car is a popular option, or you can arrange a taxi or shuttle. Some tours from Cabo also include Balandra Beach.
Public transport options are limited and can be time-consuming. Renting a car or taking a taxi/shuttle is generally more convenient for reaching Balandra Beach.
Yes, you can drive to Balandra Beach. There is a free, safe parking lot available. However, access to the beach itself is regulated by entry times and visitor limits.
Balandra Beach is approximately a 2-hour drive from Cabo San Lucas, making it a feasible but long day trip.
Yes, several tour operators offer day trips to Balandra Beach from Cabo San Lucas and La Paz, often combining it with other local attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no direct ticket purchase for Balandra Beach. Entry is managed by visitor limits and specific time slots. Arrive early for your desired slot.
Balandra Beach has two entry slots: one at 8:00 AM and another at 12:00 PM. Visitors are typically allowed a maximum of 4 hours per visit.
Access to Balandra Beach is limited to a certain number of people per entry slot to preserve the environment. It's advisable to arrive well before the entry time to secure your spot.
There is no entrance fee to Balandra Beach itself. However, vendors at the entrance may sell snacks and rent umbrellas/chairs.
No, stays are limited to approximately 4 hours per entry slot to manage visitor numbers and protect the beach.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Balandra Beach is known for its very shallow, calm waters, making it more suitable for wading and walking than traditional swimming. The water often only reaches knee-deep for a long stretch.
Activities include walking in the shallow waters, taking photos at iconic spots like 'El Hongo', hiking to the viewpoint, and enjoying the serene landscape.
Snorkeling is generally not the main attraction at Balandra Beach due to its shallow and calm nature. While you might see small fish, it's not comparable to deeper reef snorkeling spots.
Visitors might spot various small fish, birds, and occasionally pufferfish. While manta rays are sometimes present, they are not guaranteed.
Yes, portable toilets are available on-site for visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no food or drink vendors inside the protected beach area. You must bring all your own supplies. Vendors selling snacks and drinks are available at the entrance before you go in.
Bring plenty of water, snacks, and any meals you plan to have. Avoid bringing glass containers. Remember to pack out all your trash.
The immediate area around Balandra Beach is undeveloped. You'll find dining options back in La Paz or at nearby Playa El Tecolote.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photo spot is 'El Hongo' (The Mushroom) rock formation. The viewpoint from Balandra Hill also offers stunning panoramic shots of the bay.
Early morning or late afternoon offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for photography. The water's color is particularly striking when the sun is bright.
Drone usage may be restricted in protected natural areas like Balandra Beach. It's best to check local regulations before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A waterproof camera or phone case is useful given the shallow water activities.
While not specific photography tours, many general tours will stop at key scenic points, allowing ample time for photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of snacks, drinks, and sun protection, as amenities are limited. The 4-hour time limit per visit is also manageable for younger attention spans. Ensure children wear water shoes for comfort and safety in the shallow, sandy areas.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
To get the best shots, consider a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the bay. Early morning visits are ideal for softer light and fewer people. Be prepared for the shallow water; a waterproof camera or phone case can be very useful for capturing unique perspectives.
🚶♀️ Active Explorers
While not a traditional swimming or snorkeling spot, the sheer beauty and the opportunity to traverse the shallow waters make it an engaging destination for those who appreciate natural landscapes and gentle exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Balandra's Unique Environment
The landscape is characterized by low-lying hills surrounding the tranquil, turquoise waters. The beach is divided into sections, with the main area featuring the iconic rock formations. Visitors often enjoy the Balandra Hill viewpoint, a short hike that provides breathtaking panoramic vistas of the entire bay, showcasing its serene beauty and distinct geography. The protected status means visitor numbers are carefully managed to preserve this delicate ecosystem.
Due to its protected status, Balandra Beach has specific entry regulations. Visitors are admitted in timed slots (typically 8 AM and 12 PM) with a maximum stay of 4 hours. This ensures the environment is not overwhelmed and allows for regular cleaning between groups. It's crucial to plan your visit around these times and be prepared to wait, especially during peak seasons.
Navigating Your Visit to Balandra Beach
When it comes to amenities, Balandra Beach is quite basic, emphasizing its natural preservation. There are no shops or restaurants within the protected area. Therefore, it's essential to bring all your own food, drinks, and any other necessities you might need for your 4-hour stay. Vendors are usually present at the entrance selling snacks and drinks, but it's wise to be self-sufficient. Remember to pack out everything you pack in to help maintain the beach's pristine condition.
For comfort and safety, consider bringing water shoes to protect your feet from shells and any potential marine life in the shallow waters. While the beach is generally safe, shuffling your feet is a good practice to avoid accidentally stepping on stingrays or other creatures that might be present.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit